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Home › Baby Names Directory › Demian

Demian

♂ Boy

Pronounced deh-mee-AN /ˌdɛm.iˈæn/High

Meaning: To tame; subdue; from Greek Damianos (from damao: to tame, to subdue), or a variant of Damian; also evoking Demeter, the Greek harvest goddessHigh

In 30 seconds: A variant of Damian meaning 'to tame' or 'subdue' from Greek damao. Also the title of Hermann Hesse's influential 1919 novel about a young man's search for self — one of the 20th century's defining coming-of-age works.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningTo tame; subdue; from Greek Damianos (from damao: to tame, to subdue), or a variant of Damian; also evoking Demeter, the Greek harvest goddess
U.S. rank (2025)#2489 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births54 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,105

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719662025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Demian is a variant of Damian, from Greek Damianos (one who tames, from damao: to tame, subdue). Saint Damian of the twin physician saints Cosmas and Damian gave the name Christian significance. Hermann Hesse's novel Demian (1919) added literary depth.

Demian has appeared in U.S. boys' data primarily in Hispanic communities (where Demian is a Spanish-language variant) and among families drawn to the literary Hesse association. Its 2024 ranking of #2340 reflects modest but meaningful use.

Did you know? Hermann Hesse's novel Demian (1919) profoundly influenced generations of young readers — including Jim Morrison, who called it one of his favorite books. The protagonist Emil Sinclair's journey toward self-knowledge and away from conventional morality made Demian a touchstone of 20th-century existentialism.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Damian — Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DamianDamienDamion

Nicknames

DemiDem

Famous Bearers

  • ★Demian (fictional)
    Max Demian is the enigmatic mentor figure who guides protagonist Emil Sinclair toward self-knowledge in Hermann Hesse's 1919 novel Demian.

If you like Demian…

Damian— the standard English form of the same Greek name
Damien— the French form of the same name
Dorian— Greek -ian ending name with the same literary philosophical feel
Fabian— Latin -ian ending name with the same classical elegance

Explore names like Demian

By themelatingreekthree-syllableliterary
By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Demian mean?

Demian means 'to tame' or 'subdue,' a variant of Damian, from Greek Damianos (damao: to tame).

How do you pronounce Demian?

It's said deh-mee-AN /ˌdɛm.iˈæn/ — three syllables, stress on the third.

Is Demian a boy or girl name?

Demian is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Demian?

Demian ranked #2340 for U.S. boys in 2024.

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